Kite Flying Tips

Flying a kite is easy, but there are a few simple tips that make flying the kite even easier and, more to the point, safer for you and others around you.

• Always read the instructions first. These would normally give the proper assembly information as well as basic flying hints and tips. A guideline to the strength of the wind suitable for the kite may also be printed—do not exceed this as the kite can become uncontrollable. See below for a simple wind speed guide.
• Never fly kites in wet or stormy weather. Static electricity can build up and be conducted down the line. This is also the reason why you should never fly a kite with wire or anything metallic in the line.
• Never fly kites over other peoples heads or in an area where someone else could be injured from an out of control kite. If you are new to kite flying make sure there is plenty of room around you.
• Do not fly close to roads or paths. Not only can it be dangerous if the kite comes down but it can distract drivers as well.
• Keep away from overhead power lines, transmission towers, telephone lines and aerials. If your kite gets caught—DO NOT attempt to rescue it yourself—ask for help from the right people such as the electricity company.
• Always be aware of what is behind you, be it people, roads or even cliffs! It is easy to be distracted by the kite and step back.
• Always wear gloves for strong pulling kites.
• Do not fly near airports or above 200 feet (60 metres)—see the Rules of the Air below.
• Always tidy up after you. Take away any odd bits of line you have discarded, the bag that the kite came in, etc. Throw them away responsibly or recycle them.
• Be careful of animals, they can be easily frightened by flying kites—particularly dual and four line kites.
• If you are new to kite flying then consider contacting one of the many local groups for advice—see the group directory. If you have purchased a dual line sports or power kite, consider taking lessons in how to fly the kite, the kite trader you bought the kite from should be able to guide you in the right direction. Training is particularly important for power kites as these can be very dangerous if not flown properly.
• Finally, be courteous and think of others. Not everyone is happy with kites buzzing around them. If someone else thinks your kite is a danger to others and asks you to stop—do so. They may be more aware of what is happening than you are.

Fly Safe—Have Fun
 

Wind Speed
There is a general scale of wind speed known as the Beaufort Scale. This gives a simple indication of the wind speed which can be matched to the recommended wind speed for the kite you are flying.
 

KITE FLYING LEGISLATION
Civil Aviation legislation applicable to kite flying is contained in the Rules of the Air Regulations and the The Air Navigation Order).   These are amended from time to time but for the purposes of these documents kites are classified as aircraft.

The relevant parts of the above in relation to kites state that:-

Article97 (3) (d)
A kite shall not be flown at a height of more than 30 metres above ground level within the aerodrome traffic zone of a notified aerodrome during the notified operating hours of that aerodrome. [Although it is generally accepted that for safety reasons you should not fly within 5km of any aerodrome].

Article 97 (3) (e)
A kite shall not be flown at a height of more than 60 metres above ground level.

Rule 52  Captive Balloons and Kites at Night
A kite while flying at night at a height exceeding 60 metres above the surface shall display lights as follows:

• (1) A captive balloon or kite flying at night at a height exceeding 60 metres above the surface shall display lights in accordance with paragraphs (2), (3) and (4).
  (2) A group of two steady lights shall be displayed consisting of a white light placed 4 metres above a red light, both being of at least five candela and showing in all directions, the white light being placed not less than 5 metres nor more than 10 metres below the basket or, if there is no basket, below the lowest part of the balloon or kite.
  (3) On the mooring cable of the balloon or kite, at intervals of not more than 300 metres measured from the group of lights specified in paragraph (2), there shall be displayed—
  (a) groups of two lights of the colour and power and in the relative positions specified in paragraph (2); and
  (b) if the lowest group of lights is obscured by cloud, an additional group of such lights below the cloud base.
  (4) On the surface of the ground there shall be displayed a group of three flashing lights arranged—
  (a) in a horizontal plane at the apexes of a triangle, approximately equilateral, each side of which measures at least 25 metres;
  (b) so that one side of the triangle shall be approximately at right angles to the horizontal projection of the cable and shall be delimited by two red lights; and
  (c) so that the third light shall be a green light, placed so that the triangle encloses the object on the surface to which the balloon or kite is moored.

• Rule 53 Captive Balloons and Kites by Day
  
  53.—(1) A captive balloon flying by day at a height exceeding 60 metres above the surface shall have attached to its mooring cable tubular streamers which are—
  (a) not less than 40 centimetres in diameter and 2 metres in length; and
  (b) marked with alternate bands of red and white 50 centimetres wide at intervals of not more than 200 metres measured from the basket or, if there is no basket, from the lowest part of the balloon.
  (2) A kite flying by day at a height exceeding 60 metres above the surface shall have attached to its mooring cable either:
  (a) tubular streamers as specified in paragraph (1); or
  (b) at intervals of not more than 100 metres measured from the lowest part of the kite, streamers not less than 80 centimetres long and 30 centimetres wide at their widest point, marked with alternate bands of red and white 10 centimetres wide.

Kites and Horses

Some tips from David Ford about flying kites in the vicinity of horses can be found here.

The above is an extract from the full regulations.  For further details of the Act above look at the www.caa.co.uk.  For permission to exceed the limits stated above you are required to complete an application form.  Details from

Airspace Utilisation Section
Directorate of Airspace Policy
Civil Aviation Authority
K1
45-59 Kingsway
London WC2B 6TE
Direct Dial: 020 7453 6599 or 6585
Fax: 020 7453 6593